Full Breakdown
Tragic Police Shooting After Walmart Shoplifting Call Leaves Child Dead in Senatobia, Mississippi
6/16/2026, 12:43:53 AM
Incident Overview
On the afternoon of Sunday, June 15, 2026, officers from the Senatobia Police Department and deputies from the Tate County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shoplifting report at the Walmart on U.S. 51 in Senatobia, Mississippi. Upon arrival, they observed two adults and a one-year-old child exiting the store and entering a vehicle. The driver then accelerated toward the officers, nearly striking one. An officer discharged his weapon into the moving car, after which the vehicle fled the scene. The occupants were later taken to a local hospital where the child was pronounced dead and the adult sustained critical injuries. No law-enforcement personnel were injured. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) are conducting the investigation.
Background & Context
The incident stemmed from a routine shoplifting call. Law-enforcement response involved both municipal police and county sheriff’s deputies, reflecting inter-agency cooperation in the area. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation assumed primary investigative authority, while the MDPS provided additional oversight. Walmart issued a public statement expressing sorrow over the events at its Senatobia location.
Key Figures & Groups
- Senatobia Police Department – responding agency, posted an investigative update on Facebook.
- Tate County Sheriff’s Office – deputy agency present at the scene, declined comment.
- Mississippi Bureau of Investigation – lead investigative body, gathering evidence.
- Mississippi Department of Public Safety – coordinating agency.
- Walmart – retailer where the call originated; spokesperson released a statement.
- Family members – Carlos Haynes (grandfather), Licole Wiley (grandmother), Lasandra Williams (grandmother), Carolyn Stokes (great-grandmother) voiced demands for answers and accountability.
Timeline
- ~2 p.m. – Shoplifting call received at Walmart.
- Shortly after – Senatobia police and Tate County deputies arrive on scene.
- Moments later – Two adults and a child flee into a vehicle.
- Immediately – Driver steers toward officers, nearly striking one.
- Instantly – Officer fires into the vehicle; car escapes.
- Following minutes – Victims transported to hospital; child pronounced dead, adult critically injured.
- Later that day – Senatobia Police posts investigative notice; Walmart releases statement.
- Subsequent days – MBI opens formal investigation; family members hold press conference.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 1 child (age 1).
- Injuries: 1 adult in critical condition.
- Law-enforcement injuries: None reported.
- Investigation status: Ongoing; bullet-wound details for the child not disclosed.
Official Statements & Responses
The Senatobia Police Department announced on Facebook that it would share verified information as the investigation progresses. Walmart’s spokesperson expressed sadness over the incident at the Senatobia store. MBI confirmed it is assessing evidence and will coordinate findings with the state Attorney General’s Office. The Tate County Sheriff’s Office declined to comment, and the department reiterated its commitment to transparency.
Criticism & Opposition
Family members criticized the lack of information and questioned the necessity of lethal force. They demanded accountability, describing the shooting as “unnecessary” and calling for justice for the child and the injured adult.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t know anything right now. My grandson gone. I just want justice,” — Carlos Haynes, grandfather
- “Policeman shot, opened fire in a public setting, over allegedly some Pampers,” — Licole Wiley, grandmother
- “I’m more angry, because the situation that took place really was unnecessary, from what I’m hearing of what happened. It was unnecessary,” — Lasandra Williams, grandmother
- “The police department not telling us anything. They removed the baby’s body without anybody seeing it,” — Carolyn Stokes, great-grandmother
- “We’re saddened by what took place at our Senatobia, MS, store,” — Walmart spokesperson
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
MBI has not confirmed whether the child sustained gunshot wounds. No officer has been publicly identified, and details about the driver’s legal status remain undisclosed. The exact number of rounds fired and the precise sequence of events leading to the officer’s decision to fire have not been clarified.
What’s Next
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation continues evidence collection and plans to submit its findings to the Attorney General’s Office. The Senatobia Police Department has pledged full transparency as the inquiry proceeds, while family members await further answers.
